US intellectual property leader Howrey has launched in Spain after agreeing a deal to take over domestic competition boutique Martinez Lage & Asociados.

The merger, which was agreed last week (21 September), will see Howrey and the three-partner Spanish outfit became financially integrated from 1 January, 2008.

The Spanish office will be overseen by current Martinez managing partner Santiago Martinez Lage, who will remain at the helm for a minimum of four years.